BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar showered praise on talismanic batter Virat Kohli's dedication to fitness and rigorous training routine. He said that he is one of the few players who has set a benchmark in terms of fitness for all other team players. Agarkar, who was a part of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup winning team, cited 35-year-old Kohli’s fitness as an example that has created a significant impact throughout the Indian cricketing ecosystem.
Ajit Agarkar on Virat Kohli's fitness
Ajit Agarkar discussed Virat Kohli's fitness by saying that he has maintained the fitness level for the last 10 years which is commendable.
"Gradually it has progressed (to the younger generation). The one difference you have seen over the last 15-20 years or so is the fitness levels of players," said Agarkar on SportifywithPRG.
“You look at guys like Virat (Kohli), he is one of those guys who set the benchmark. 10-15 years into his career, he has only got fitter, you can see the results. If someone like him sets an example and puts forward certain things that you need or certain fitness levels that you need, gradually it progresses across the ecosystem," he added.
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Agarkar went on to say that the Indian Premier League (IPL) had become a big platform to spot talent and where the temperament of a player also comes to the fore.
“You can see it, (IPL) keeps throwing up players out of the blue. Having been a selector for a few months, there are certain players who suddenly come and show even on the big stage.”
“IPL is a fairly big stage because of the pressures involved, big crowds. You might be bowling to the top batters in the world, or you might be facing one of the top bowlers in the world, and that’s when you stand up and that’s where you judge the temperament of a player, whether he can do it consistently,” said the former India all-rounder.
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